Tripoli - Lebanon

Tripoli (Standard Arabic: طرابلس Ṭarābulus, and Arabic: طَرَابُلُس‎ Trâblous,Greek: Τρίπολις Tripolis) is today the second-largest city and second-largest port in Lebanon, with approximately 500,000 inhabitants. Tripoli is the capital of the North Governorate and the Tripoli District (in Lebanon the districts are subunits of governorates). The city is located 85 km north of the capital Beirut.

In the ancient times, it was the center of a Phoenician confederation which included Tyre, Sidon and Arados, hence the name Tripoli, meaning "triple city" in Greek. Later, it was controlled successively by the Assyrian Empire, Persian Empire, Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Caliphate, the Seljuk Empire, Crusader States, the Mamluks, the Ottoman Empire and France. The Crusaders established the County of Tripoli there in the twelfth century.

Today, Tripoli is also known as Al-Fayha'a, derived from the Arabic verb Faha which is used to indicate the spread of a certain smell. Tripoli was best known for its vast orange orchards. During the season of blooming, the pollen of orange flowers is carried on the air, creating a splendid perfume which fills the city and suburbs, hence the name al-Fayha'a.

Climate

Climate of Tripoli moderate thanks to its location on the Mediterranean, winters mild rainy extends for about 4 months, and the summer is hot average humidity runs about 5 months. Average annual temperature of 19.5 degrees Celsius, the lowest average winter 12.8 ° C, and the highest rate of 25 ° C summer.

City Historical Sites and Attractions

Tripoli is the home to over 150 historical site and considered one the oldest and sites rich cities on the coast of the Mediterranean sea. The city has many ancient mosques and other Islamic sites that shouldn't be missed while visiting the city.

Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles

The citadel takes its name from Raymond de Saint-Gilles, who dominated the city in 1102 and commanded a fortress to be built in which he named Mont Pelerin (Mt Pilgrim). The original castle was burnt down in 1289, and rebuilt again on numerous occasions and was rebuilt in 1307-08 by Emir Essendemir Kurgi.

Later the citadel was rebuilt in part by the Ottoman Empire which can be seen today, with its massive Ottoman gateway, over which is an engraving from Süleyman the Magnificent who had ordered the restoration. In the early 19th Century, the Citadel was extensively restored by the Ottoman Governor of Tripoli Mustafa Agha Barbar.

The Clock Tower (The Al-Tell Clock Tower)

The Clock tower is one of the most popular monuments in Tripoli. The tower which is located in Al-Tell square in the heart of the city center was constructed by the Ottomans as a gift to the city of Tripoli.

The Offshore Islands (Palm Islands Nature Reserve)

Tripoli has four offshore islands: Fanar (Lantern) Island,The Bellan Island, The Bakar Islands and The largest is called today the "Island of Palm Trees" by some, and by others "Rabbits’ Island".

Palm Islands Nature Reserve or Rabbits’ Island

This is the largest of the islands with an area of 20 hectares. The name "Araneb" or Rabbits comes from the great numbers of rabbits that were grown on the island during the time of the French mandate early in the 20th century. It is now a nature reserve for green turtles, rare birds and rabbits. Declared as a protected area by UNESCO in 1992, camping, fire building or other depredation is forbidden. In addition to its scenic landscape, the Palm Island is also a cultural heritage site. Evidence for human occupation, dated back to the Crusader period, was uncovered during 1973 excavations by the General Directorate of Antiquities.

Rachid Karami International Fair of Tripoli (El Ma'rad)

More commonly known as the Rachid Karami Exhibition, it was designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. . It contains 15 buildings by Niemeyer on approximately 10,000 hectare, and is located on Tripoli's southern entrance. For more information you can visit their website: http://www.lebanon-fair.com/